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lights flicker at idle

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6.5K views 4 replies 5 participants last post by  gostinger  
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#1 ·
I recently bought a 2004 ZTW with 122k miles. Since day one, I've noticed that all the lights flicker at idle. I replaced the serpentine belt because it was very worn, cleaned the battery terminals, and the lights still flickered. I had the battery and the alternator tested, and they both checked out fine.

Could this be from a bad ground? If so, any ideas where to start?

I thought it was due to the alternator/voltage regulator since the lights are fine when I increase engine speed even a little.

On a possibly related note, my wife was driving the car the other day and said it cut out while idling. It almost died, but recovered on it's own and continued to run. Could this be from the same problem?

Thanks for reading and sharing.
 
#2 ·
I'd first check the wiring connector coming from the alternator since you've had the alternator and battery load tested. The wires in the back of the connector can corrode and break/loosen over time. There's a pigtail made to replace it if there's a problem. Then remove and thoroughly clean the engine compartment grounds, as you've suggest. The obvious one is the battery cable ground followed by the engine hoist bracket to strut tower ground (at the upper left of the engine compartment.) There's also one near the passenger side far front, IIRC.

I doubt the stalling problem is related; might be IACV related or a vacuum leak, however, if the problem continues and worsens.

My 0.02.
 
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